Debunking 12 myths about mental health
Summary
Popular culture, in its various artistic manifestations, has fostered the perpetuation of false beliefs associated with people who suffer from mental health problems. They are statements without scientific criteria that are a drag on society. In this article we dismantle twelve false myths about mental health to rid ourselves of these misconceptions.
Popular culture, the audiovisual industry and the media have, over the decades, favoured the stigmatisation and perpetuation of negative stereotypes that have been associated with people suffering from mental health disorders.
Despite the numerous awareness campaigns and the large volume of information available about the reality and day-to-day life of people who live with a disorder, there are still many false beliefs about mental health that prevent us from talking about it normally.
The vast majority of these statements are far from reality, do not prove any scientific basis, lead to attitudes of rejection and intolerance and cause discomfort for the affected people and their environment.
Let's debunk 12 stigmatising myths!
1. People with a mental health disorder are violent and aggresive
People with mental disorders, even severe ones, are not violent. They are as likely to experience violent episodes as anyone else. On the contrary, they are more vulnerable to being victims of violence and other types of crime than people without a mental health disorder.
2. They cannot live in society because they cannot adapt
People who suffer from a mental health disorder can coexist perfectly in society if they have the necessary support and resources to lead an independent and autonomous life. Having a good social network (professional colleagues, family, friends, partner, etc.) leads to a better outcome and is a protective factor against relapses.
3. People with a mental health disorder will never recover
Some mental health disorders are chronic and in this sense will accompany the person throughout their life, but with adequate treatment, support and follow-up, recovery is possible.
4. They can't work
They can work like any other person if they are given the necessary conditions and supports to do so. On many occasions, the barrier preventing them from working does not derive from the disorder itself, but from the poor preparation of society and administrations to provide the necessary resources. Getting a job has great benefits for anyone because it helps to improve self-esteem and build a routine in day-to-day life.
5. It won't happen to me
Mental health disorders do not understand age, sex, culture or economic situation. They do not discriminate and can affect anyone. They are more common than is assumed. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their life.
6. People with a mental health disorder are better off in a mental health hospital
Many people, sometimes out of ignorance, reject the possibility of coexistence with diversity. Community treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment. At present, with some exceptions, mental health hospitals are understood as temporary containment spaces for acute episodes. People who are cared for in the community show a better and more sustained evolution over time.
7. If someone suffers from a disorder, it is because they drink, use drugs or do not take care of themselves
Drug use is considered to be a factor that can precipitate the onset of a mental health disorder or worsen its symptoms, but it is not always its primary cause. Most people with mental health disorders take care of themselves and do not use harmful substances, but they still suffer from the disorder. We cannot blame people for having developed the symptoms they present.
8. Children and adolescents do not have mental health disorders
Young children can display early warning signs that pose a mental health concern. These problems can be identified clinically and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors.
9. Mental health disorders cause intellectual disability
A mental health disorder does not cause and is not an intellectual disability. They are two different things. A person with a mental health disorder will not necessarily have diminished cognitive abilities or skills.
10. There is no way to help people with a mental health disorder
There are treatments, strategies and support from associations for people who need it. Affected people, if properly treated, can lead full lives. Society in general can and should contribute to promoting good mental health in the population.
11. A person who has suffered from a mental health disorder will never fully recover
People who have suffered from a mental health disorder can fully get better: they will be able to work, learn and participate fully and actively in the community.
12. I can't help anyone with a mental disorder
The detection of symptoms that may indicate that a person suffers from a mental disorder is key to the prognosis of it and the people who are most likely to do so are people from the immediate environment. There are several symptoms that can indicate that someone needs help: emotional instability, changes in diet and sleep, changes in behaviour, suicidal ideas, etc.
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